Stepping up

As we move to pre Christmas week in Panto-land, let’s take stock of what has come to ” so-far ” pass?

Occasionally dropping in to your Panto social chat rooms – I can see there is a lot of ” love you people ” going on , that and , ” I like Tumblir , shabby chic , blue , chocolate , knitted socks , but anything really ….”

But little chat about the shows themselves ? or your progress as teams?

Hmmmm?

So I took myself to the lion’s mouth to find out what comes of this , from all the rehearsals , all the notes and assurances that were given , way back in November …when we were way up our snowy rehearsal mountain , giving it lalldeee ….

I suspect the Lalldeee” has changed , but has it changed for good or just because you think it’s easy now to do Panto and to do it well ?

I have to say the team leaders and deps themselves are a bit absent in their team group chats , and whether they are saving it for the room is anyone’s guess ?

Maybe the old cliche of ” I’ve not got time…. ” is being bandied around a lot by people ; what with other things on in the run up to Christmas…

Pity really , because it starts with “the top” in anything.

Make the right impression , set the right standards to follow , adopt rules that stick for good and a better group mindset will follow.

Anyone who eventually works with me “long term” will know I have a line that we don’t ever drama cross.

You are either with me on what I ask you to do or a conversation eventually takes place between us , that poses the question – is it worth while you remaining?

So to in any project undertaken with me . Even though I may have left a show that I initially directed , I would hope you are still thinking on my level , acting with my direction in mind?

Are you still ” worthwhile ” and “noteworthy” in this Panto cast ?

Or have have you moved the stage “second in importance ” and team chat “first” ?

Time is running out quicker than you know , to get the most of this Panto experience , more than a nice secret Santa present and a new friend or two.

Next year is round the corner , next year could be very different for you , with a litlle extra Christmas effort on stage.

Maybe some had a taster on Sunday , a refreshing sip , a sample of something different , “showing you something new” to bite into …

We all enjoy Christmas nibbles. The sweet things , the savoury , the mixed bag of nuts …so why not feast ?

Spires Theatre work is like that:

Workshops that make us feel all happy and good inside , Projects that have cutting edge
Show experiences that are so unpredictable in their design, that they leave us shaken and stirred …Bonded in style.

But to get your drama hands on those performance goodies , you have to show me something new…

Something better in your work ethic , the “Tesco extra” in your bag of current stage tricks , the resisting the temptation to take your foot off the pedal , when others around you are telling you , by their de-accelerated action , to do the same.

I know it’s s long run and boredom can be a factor – same old same old …what can seem an endless circle of seen it , done it…if you are not in the ” right ” performance mindset.

Because if you are “cut “from different drama cloth , you will always see the stage as an exciting “play”ground for even the shortest time you are on it .

The dressing room really is just the boring bit , the waiting room , the inevitable queue you have to stand in to get to what you want at the other end.

Before you say it …I know it’s nice to just see people in a new light , good to talk and share hugs and smiles each time you come together – I’m not saying that’s not part of it – but is it doing anything to make your combined team shows better if the practical stage passion is maybe not the same ?

We are well over half-way now and here’s a radical suggestion: why not make a new team show ?

” is she serious ? ”

Didn’t I say I am always serious about Panto ?

” how do we do that ? ”

Think of the end of the run and start going back to the beginning , remembering what you actually learned about working better together.

I have to say , Rachel is happy with geneal team energy and some individual progress.

Shows can vary in momentum , but average round 5+ and 7 – a few 10’s ( have you all just given up on that dream number ? )

Here’s 10 things I hate about what can sometimes can happen when I leave a show project, if teams forget their professionalism.

1 Things become social
2 Things become sloppy
3 Things become an utter state of panic or chaos stage backstage
4 Things become about silly bickering between people over stupid things
5 Things become messy in dress , hair , make up and appearamce
6 Things become lax in peronal attitude towards the project
7 Things become about what the other teams are getting and what you’re not?
8 Things become about meeting one another in the cross over and making that the really fun part
9 Things become about watching the actors on stage and not about watching the audience
10 Things become about a group of “tweens and teens” doing a “wee Christmas show in their local arts centre ” and not about the best Youth Theatre in Scotland showing how to really do a professional performance!

In one of the above is perhaps the answer to why it may be going wrong for you and your team , if you think you’ve currently hit a bit of a slump…

Team 1

Better , but have you lost the slight edge you once had ? Come on , let’s “show” them

Team 2

Coming through but still a future way to go ? Act the Act …don’t just talk the talk of “acting” on things.

Team 4

Breaking new ground , but what can you do with it ? What different stage can you get to from here ?

Team 3

Sadly lagging behind , and I think whatever has happened to you can only be fixed by a “completely” better stage endeavour. It would be a pity not to carry some of you on with us , next term , because you can’t get your ” act ” together – wouldn’t it ?

Turnarounds can dramatically happen in a moment if the spirit is willing to pull together and team 3 try.
——-

Pauline and Rachel both agree things can be unpredictable more than they can be reliably professional – across all the teams.

Don’t think because I’m not around , I don’t know what is going on , don’t assume your “safe” in any drama project because runs start well and are now almost over.

In recent ViVE VOCE ( one on one chats ) with the FIREFLY 16 module students , much came to light about how things for them have “got in the way” of better performance and it took some honest straight-talk to reach the conclusion that ” extra ” effort is always needed at any stage of this PACE game – ” extra ” attention to personal detail .

If as many of you seem to think , the way “up ” in PACE , is the “only” way for you ; then understand you don’t always have to like what you hear me telling you , but you have to act on it, regardless.

You’ll never get better until you do “the extra stuff” around any performance and for many Panto , that’s in the list above .

For Voyage candidates , it’s a continual effort to stand out from the crowd in good ways , convincingly.

A willingness to cut loose from the rest of the peer “drama pack” and go your own sweet way .

I want these “written assessments” to to be seen less
like ” school project assignments ” and more like an interesting , entertaining , quirky take, on your Panto adventure this year – please don’t tell me stuff I know , tell me or show me stuff I don’t know – that way I’m liable to look at them and you ” differently ” – which is the better way into Odyssey and potentially VX1.

If your current performance is going round and round and round a loop , you need to realise that ” culture , the arts , opening your eyes to the world around you ” is the only way you’ll give more depth to your stage work .

Resist it as long as you want – fight me on it with silence or indifference and apathy – but …I’ll need you to get it , in the end – or we won’t , we can’t spark . Any director needs material to work with, if you come with nothing , what can we creatively make together ?

——–

The Christmas Radio Times may be lying round your house at the festive moment ? – if not ask a parent to get you it . ( see pic above for ref)

There are loads and loads of better programme listings on all TV and radio channels over Christmas – BBC2/3/4 included

Don’t neglect the ” boring ” channels – that are not cool to watch – they have all the ” cool ” drama that matters here .

Radio is great to gave on in the background , not Clyde or Heart or Capital or Radio 1 – but Radio 2/3/4 as well as they feature brilliant comedy , plays and documentary style dramas that train you to listen better

And we all need to listen , to act better on stage .

Just scan the radio times and see if any play or drama or programme catches your eye and stick it on as you study ( or veg in your room ! )

A little different stuff , now and again , makes a big difference in no time

I listened to a superb programme on the Radio last week BBC3 – ( Saturday’s around lunch ) called “Sounds of Cinema” , with Mathew Sweet . It was all about Swedish Cinema ( next year’s first culture club topic ) and this week is apparently all about ” Star Wars ” . He has a great voice , really engages your ear and the music and background is really interesting and ” different ”

Everything is relevant if you just open your eyes and ears to a better picture and sound

This will not be easy for some to do , I know you are not ready , but remember this :

Face down constantly in iPhones or devices , is only ever going to make you robotic and predictive in your performance , always scrolling through copied stage images , refreshed only by an occasional ping of warning about the bland drama future you are making !

As Taylor says ” shake it off ”

Get the Christmas Radio Times , scan it , and aim to watch at least 5 new for you varied programmes – a new comedy drama , a new BBC / ITV serous drama , a better film that doesn’t involve teen drama or fast cars , a documentary , a random sky arts programme or arts related on any other channel ( not dance moms !!!! Or X factor / Voice singing related )

If your feeling inspired or even “edgy” – watch an indie film , a foreign drama , something maybe parents have recommended that you haven’t watched because you thought ” I won’t like that ” .

If I have time I’ll post some suggestions.

But if not in Team 1 – ask Katie Maclean – a Cinderella PACE story – from drama rags last Panto to glittering theatre ball gown this festive season , as she steps out in fetching new cultured voice , showing creatively ingelligent depth as a budding stage writer , group commentator and general all round new star in Firefly !

It can be done if you want it badly enough , if you don’t use the excuse of ” if I have time ” – make time – time is , after all – Relative !

Girls like Katie M , go far , because they get , that extra effort isn’t a chore , isn’t actually as boring as others think but a great new lifestyle choice .

In Team 2 speak to Erin , she’s now clued in and culturally open minded , she may have suggestions to get your started…

In Team 3 – speak to Garth , he gets that it’s not pointless to watch stuff others don’t rate – he’s a mine of suggestions to dip into.

In team 4 – speak to Eleanor , as HD for VX1 her finger is well on the current PACE culture pulse , and if she can’t help , she’s mature enough to refer you to someone else for suggestions – both Abby and Eleanor are broad minded that way and very much want to work togehter not apart on this new set of Verona challenges – something different indeed.

So , the future of Panto is now up to you , the future for you after New Year is also up to you .

I can lead you to Artistic waters but sadly can’t make you drink – if you’re not really that thirsty…

There will always be something else for you , maybe not as rewarding long term as some Spires work , but certainly another way to go.

But before I go I have a litlle Christmas present for a couple of you this Festive time – I hope you get the message :

Based on your outstanding and highly creative presence in our hallowed Spires 1 theatre-space on Sunday , I have pleasure in inviting

Ben Boulton Jones to House of Capulet

Anna Boulton Jones to House of Montague

Morgan Grant to House of Capulet

I know this will mean the dramaworld to them to hear, especially as they continue to grow in our Panto arena.

So “Merry Drama Christmas” to you 3. Keep the higher stage standards you will need for VX1.

27 Responses to Stepping up

Hi this is Ben. I have just read this post and, we'll I am filled with joy! Sunday was a great opportunity it really opened my mind to culture. I have looked at performance art and I am fascinated by it I especially love one by Måns Zelmerlöw.also thanks to Katie for all of the culture ideas!

Congratulations to Anna, Ben and to Morgan for Vx1.
Reading this blog has inspired me to get more 'cultured' for Panto and hopefully for Vx1. I will definitely be talking to Katie McClean on how to get more cultured.
I have taken everything on this blog on board and hopefully everyone else does.
Team 1 may have lost that edge that they used to have. But, we shall get it back and pick up our performance and become better. After all ' if we go up, we can't go down '.
Team 1 will post on the blog more and we will post more about...Panto. What a surprise we haven't been posting about Panto. We have been caught up in our ' Secret Santa '.
You're 10 things that usually happen when you leave is, well shocking. I can't believe that anyone and I mean, anyone would do anything like that. But you never know it could go past unseen.
I loved this blog and will know think differently about culture and all that jazz.
Max x

Yes, a big congratualtions to Ben, Anna and Morgan. Reading this blog I realised that I need to put in that 'extra Christmas effort'. I already have a list of things to watch so I will be diving into them over the holidays and pushing my self in panto to get more out of it. I want to be able to be part of bigger pace projects but to do that I need to work on a few things so I am looking forward to challenging myself to do that over the next couple of weeks.

Thank you so much mhairi ☺️ I am over the moon and so excited to be apart of this project☺️ It has got to be the biggest surprise ever ☺️ I am so happy words can't describe THANK YOU SO MUCH !!! I can't wait to work with Abby and Garth on this project thank you !!!!

First of all a huge congratulations to Ben, Anna and Morgan. Reading this blog made me realise I have to step it up and post on the blog more especially about the shows. Tommorow I'm going to get the Christmas Radio Times and find something more cultured to watch over the holidays. I'm also going to start pushing myself even more to get more out of panto because I want to go on and be part of more projects in PACE. I know I have a long way to go but I'm prepared to put in the work to one day get to where I want to be.

I am very happy and would like to congratulate Anna, Ben and Morgan! You all really deserve it and will do fantastic!
This blog has inspired me to be cultured and look for the little less 'popular' things on TV or radio, etc... To take the less 'commercialised' or 'media influenced' approach to my life in and out of drama. It's also given me things to look out for in my performance!
P.s. I was also wondering when the voyage assessments are due because I couldn't remember!
-Lucy x

First of all a MASSIVE well done to Ben, Anna and Morgan, very excited to be working with you on a different PACE level. As for being more cultured this christmas, I understand how some of you feel when you think it's "boring" or "uncool" to watch/read/listen to new things but trust me, I wish I'd started sooner. Becoming more open to new cultural things in the past year has opened so many new doors in my drama world, happy to give any suggestions to anyone looking for something new this christmas. Don't keep running around that same circle, it gets boring.

Firstly I want to say a massive congratulations to Anna, Ben and Morgan I know you are all going to be amazing and will bring so much to this prestigious PACE event. I have been able to work with you all so know first hand what you have to offer and hope that I get the opportunity to work with you again.
I also wanted to say again here what I have posted on my own team blog. I know Team 3 can be amazing as we have seen it happen. Since our last show I have taken everything back to basics and have been rehearsing everything scene by scene to see where I can improve or even add extra bits in. I think if we all done that and looked at our performance with fresh eyes we could be even better. I use my family members as my critics :) I also want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and wish all the teams luck for the remainder of their panto run. Meg xx

Congratulations Anna, Ben and Morgan- it wasn't long ago I was in your shoes jumping into to the wild Verona world. Just commit to everything and don't worry if you have no clue what your doing,half of the time we will be just as confused as you. It's just all about working together.
Culture may seen strange and uncommon for you all. I am not anyway nearly as cultured as others so it's still strange and uncomfortable for me. But hey let's give it a go, not because we are told too, but because we all want to become better and more diverse actors. I struggle with culture, and blame others for my lack of culture but I realise how important this is and I personally need it. If you do want to be a better actor this is something that will set your acting on another level.
Team 3,we kept going round and round in circles, We tried one thing, it didn't work. We tried another, it didn't work. And so on...However the problem wasn't our time management, our organisation skills etc. It was our attitude.Every single person in the team had to want it before we could progress. Today everyone wanted it, we couldn't be bothered with bad scores anymore. We weren't happy nor proud. We all understood that it's not just about performance it's about: attitude, focus on and off stage, being professional and being positive and calm! That's why it clicked. So from here on it is truly onwards and upwards. Team 3 shall not back down!
The silence from the green sleeves page is mainly due to the team having created a Facebook group chat. Most of the team chat on either that or an Instagram dm the team created. This was mainly due to the slow wifi I think. However despite it being nice to have a social page to chat on it is good to show Mhairi and Rachel what we are discussing and how we are feeling etc. We all just need to try a little harder for this blog, Garth and I included. After every show you should be wanting to report back and explain how you felt, also in doing this Garth and I can see where any problems lie etc.
If you are feeling that 'Same old, same old' attitude. It's ip to you to change it up, push yourself. The most fun I have is a challenge. Give yourself a challenge for every show. Change it up!!
I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and that the rest of your show run is full of 10's and panto Magic!
Neve X

A huge well done to Ben, Morgan and Anna! You's definelty stood out on Sunday and I can't wait to hoepeully work more with you Anna in VX1 as a part of Montague.
I am itching for my show tomorrow to get to down stage right and for the prologue to be finishing therefor me to be bursting onto that stage ready to show everyone me performing my socks off.
I am so excited for what could come of next year in my pace journey but first I am going to give my all to my last 6 shows.
Hannah F x

I'd like to congratulate Morgan, Ben and Anna, really well deserved. This post was a real eye opener personally and has helped me realise what I need to get to the next level and that I need more of an edge on stage and culture may help me with that as I believe the more you know the more you can apply and add to your performance.I have just started listening to Sound of cinema, will give opinion once finished also its on IPlayer if anyone is wondering (Also Will try to get my hands on a radio times asap.)
I have just realised its scary to see that our panto run is almost over (We have 6 shows left!!) So I am going to make the last 6 I have count and make the most of them and stand out (for good reasons obviously.)
Also Culture and VX1 are very closely linked so if I am going to be in VX1 and do well I will need to be very cultured and hopefully no longer be the one that is only learning in the space.
Merry Christmas everyone and hope you have a great finish to the run
-Matthew

Congratulations Ben, Anna and Morgan.
I actually love BBC radio 2 so lovely to listen to especially Chris Evens in the morning on my way to school learn so much. I will definitely have a look at the radio times xx

Congratulations Ben ,Anna and Morgan I know you three will do amazing in VX1 .This is always a good time of year for good cultured tv dramas I will be purchasing the radio times to find some new programmes for my list however The first place I will find good programmes to watch is my gran because she always seems to find some very interesting programmes to help expand my cultured knowledge.
It's scary how my first panto experience is nearly over but this just means I'm going to make the most of my last few shows.Already I've took so much from this experience and I'm excited to see what lies ahead in pace for me next year .

Eleanor FarrellyDecember 16, 2015

I'm absolutely over the moon to have Anna as part of Montague! Really stood out on Sunday throwing herself 100% into everything we asked her to do and had exactly the attitude needed for Verona.
Also well done to Ben and Morgan I'm sure you'll have so much fun and learn a lot in capulet with Abby and Garth who I'm sure are extremely happy to have you guys on board!
In terms of culture it's hugely important especially for Verona. It's something that will not only help in Verona but help improve you as a performer. If anyone has any questions I'll try my best to help or point you in the right direction so don't hesitate to ask me.
Team 4 have been quite silent on the blog I don't have a reason or an excuse for that but it's definitely something as a team we can try and improve on. The team as a whole as come on an amazing journey and are almost unrecognisable to the team that stood on the stage during tech week. But we can still do more and keep improving and make the most out of the 6 shows we have left.
Hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and see you in the new year,
Eleanor X

Everyone always says 'Panto is great fun...' Ect ect..... But ultimately it will only ever be 'great fun' if you make it fun! I don't know about you, but it can get tedious and boring if you don't just LET IT GO! Do something different, just open up to the possibilities of our panto stage! It is our playground so let's play, let's play like no panto cast has ever played before! Yes, we can endlessly talk about the 'can do's' but how about we just do ?
When it comes to culture, it has really made me more aware about the world in general. For example, if your tv pot is full of the mainstream X-factor ect, then you will only be aware of things happening pretty close to you. But, if you go and watch an Indian film about a woman who everyday makes her husband a lunch box with no subtitles- it may seem erratic , but it opens another door inside your drama soul which wouldn't perhaps of been released otherwise!
I'm no where near as cultured as others , but I have certainly started to dip my toe in to new dramatic waters and will continue to do so!
Just want to say a huge congratulations to Ben, Anna and Morgan! You will all be a great asset to each of your houses, and I have no doubt you will be a joy to work with!
Hope everyone has an amazing Christmas:)
Carla

I am so Happy that Ben, Morgan and Anna got into Verona, you guys will be so amazing and i want to say a massive congraduatins to you guys and hope that i get to join you. well done you guys !!! and i hope everyone has a wonderful christmas :)
Nadia xoxo

I'm noting the word endeavour for us Team 3 in the blog above. Because our ongoing fight to push past 'this' is and has to be an endeavour. It's like when you are going over a steep hill you need to push that extra bit harder. We have come back from bad runs before but never have we done so and stayed on our game. So I am not taking our good show on Wednesday to be a victory - the real victory will be in the next few. IF these can be continually improving it will show the real victory - that Team 3 can now 'get good', 'stay good', and soar ever higher to new performance potential! And where would a 10+ French Panto be without the cultured minds of the performers in it. Definitely great suggestions been made on Katie's culture blog for us to get ripped into Team 3, and for further French suggestions... you know I'm only a blog comment away xx
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Morgan, Ben - welcome to the House of Capulet! What a well deserved entry on both your parts. I can only hope the House will offer as much of itself to you as I am confident you will to it. I am more than confident that every existing member will welcome you both with open arms, without hesitation, and that you will fit in so well to this year's challenge. I know how hard you both worked for and wanted this and can now only imagine how happy you must be on hearing this news. Aaah love it so much - so excited to be working with you two young actors!
Well done to Anna too - another very well deserved recruitment and I am sure you will do the House of Montague extremely proud!
P.S. Ben - I knew instantly who you were speaking about! Visuals of his performance at Eurovision were stunning. Have you found other works by Måns Zelmerlöw, or is he more just a musical artist?

Hi Guys
My parents listen to Radio Two all the time, Chris Evans is very good. I will endeavour to watch some more classic "arty" type movies and dramas over this Christmas season. Something a bit different to usual Saturday night TV. Something to actually "grab" you and make you think!
As we near the end of our run, I would just like to say that these last two/three months have been the best of my life. Every time I step onto the stage my heart pounds and I realise how lucky I am to be part of such an amazing show. Pantomine is wonderful. I love to hear the children and adults laugh. I have enjoyed so much, working with every single one of you and dearly hope to again, in the future.
After the Pantomine run life will just never be the same again. I will always be looking for the next thing, something as exciting. I was in school today, and was it so boring. I'm sorry to say that I didn't even miss my friends (sorry) because you are all my friends now and Ill miss every one of you after 31st December.
Massive congratulations to Ben, Morgan and Anna, fantastic achievement.
Well done to everyone in every team but especially to my team, Team 1. Special thank you to Carla for putting on my make-up for shows, you are a Star.
Happy Christmas Everyone
Cameron